James R. "Jim" Bryant

1937 - 2021

James (Jim) Bryant passed from this life and into the arms of his LORD and SAVIOR on Tuesday, Oct. 19 (2021).
He was born on Dec. 30, 1937, in Harmon, to Charles Norman and Martha Belle (Buna) Roberts Bryant. He was a 1956 graduate of Harrison High School. James married Virginia Lee Younes in 1958 and they had three children. They were married for 58 years until her passing in 2016. James remarried in 2018 to Carolyn Wood Healea until his passing.
James was a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University where he majored in theology and minored in English (which made him a formidable opponent at Scrabble). James lived a life of service. After a short time in the Army Reserve and his employment with Claridge Products, God called him into the ministry. James devoted his life to spreading the teachings and love of Jesus Christ. He, along with his family, ministered in several congregations where he touched the lives of many. In addition to his ministry, he also served as a school bus driver for many years, most recently with the Harrison School district. Even when his health wasn't the best, James was constantly on the go taking part in church ministries and activities within the local senior community, as well as keeping up with his growing family.
James didn't know how to slow down and rest until his body made him. Even then, he wanted to get up and do something. James was not only a skilled orator, but he was also blessed with the gift of singing. Give him a guitar and he would draw you into song. He loved the old gospel songs and hymns but would throw in some Hank Williams every now and then. One of his favorite roles in life was being a father, grandfather, and later a great-grandfather. He was always there to listen and offer sound advice, give comfort, or a stern talking-to when needed. Little things like: ""Whatcha know, kiddo?"" jars of peanuts in every vehicle, playing classical music, hard candies on the counter, his infectious smile and laugh, and the best back scratches will be greatly missed.
Along with his parents, James was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia (Younes) Bryant; his brother-in-law, Vernon Patton; and his sister-in-law, Janet Younes.
James is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his daughters and sons-in-law, Shauna and Dan Garrison, of Houston, Texas, and Sandra and O.D. Chaney Jr., of Harrison; his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kandi Bryant, of Bennett, Colorado; and three step-children and their spouses, Donna and Jim Blackwell, of Harrison, Robbie and Sabrina Healea, of Lead Hill, and Ricky and Sara Healea, of Bentonville.
James is also survived by 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Shirley Patton, of Harrison; his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Bettie Bryant, of Aztec, New Mexico; his brothers and sisters-in-law of his late wife's family; a multitude of nieces and nephews; and the many precious friends that he met along his journey of life.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Dr. James D. Bryant and Brother Ron Malone officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to the Service. Interment is in Maplewood Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Nathaniel Hamrick, Jacob Bryant, Phillip Chaney, Matthew Garrison, Derek Jones, Luke Burks, Erfan Lumbangoal and Nathan Wise.
Sign the online guestbook at rollerfuneralhomes.com/harrison .